Low separation force electrical connector



A118- 15 1967 MGCORMICK ETAL LOW SEPARATION FORCE ELECTRICAL CONNECTORFiled July 2v, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet l A118 l5, 1967 1 .1 MocoRMlcK ETALLOW SEPARATION FORCE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July27, 1964 INVENTORS.

BY jl/ v rrae/vvf.

' Aug. 15, 967 L.. L. MccoRMlcK ETAL. 3,335,562

LOW SEPARATION FORCE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR Filed .July 27, 1964 v lo. o

5 Sheets-Sheet 5 SEPA/ M V /Oj 63 45 40 R065@ l 57am/Ewa# www? Allg- 15,1957 l.. MCcoRMlcK ETAL 3,336,562

LOW SEPARATION FORCE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR Filed July 27 1964 5Sheets-Sheet 4 Aug. l5, 1967 Lt L. MCCORMICK ETAL. 3,336,562

LOw SEPARATION FORCE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR Filed .July 27, 1964 5Sheets-Sheet 5 Laeev L. McfoeM/oe Jas-50# WOY B065@ l S750/@AmanINVENTORS.

United States Patent 3,336,562 LGW SEPARATHGN FORCE ELECTRICAL CONNECTORLarry lL. McCormick and `loseph W. Hoy, Los Angeles,

and Roger C. Stephenson, Van Nuys, Calif., assignors to Gray daHnlegaard, line., Santa Monica, Calif., a corporation oi CaliforniaFiled .lnly 27, 1964, Ser. No. 335,103 I3 Claims. (Cl. 339-45)ABS'I'RAC'I 0F THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to umbilicalelectrical connectors which are separable with a minimum amount ofexternally applied force. The inventor includes a quick releasemechanism containing a spring for separating the connectors and a doublelatching arrangement for restraining the spring. The initial latchincludes an annular array of detent fingers encompassed by an encirclingband. Releasing7 the band simultaneously releases all of the fingers andallows the secondary latch to release the spring and separate theconnector. Inaddition the invention includes means for guiding theconnectors `during the mating and separating thereof so as to eliminatepossible binding. The guide means includes a rounded end surface and aclearance recess whereby the connectors will not bind or jamb eventhough they are out of alignment during mating and/ or separating.

This invention relates generally to umbilical type electricalconnectors, and more particularly concerns improvements in the releaseof such connectors whereby multiple frictionally interengaged electricalterminals may be suddenly separated in response to application of verylow separation initiating force.

Apparatus with which the invention is concerned generally includes plugand receptacle assemblies having multiple electrical terminals adaptedto interit when the assemblies are in fully axially interengagedposition. Serious problems have existed in the past as respects how toobtain sudden release of the assembly terminals without exertingconsiderable external force, the latter tending in certain systemapplications to load the system undesirably. Also, jamming or cocking ofthe terminal carriers in the plug and receptacle assemblies and duringseparation movement of the terminals presents serious problems leadingto malfunctioning of the system through failure of the terminals toseparate.

It is a major object of the present invention to provide a novel andunusual solution to the above problems as well as others associated withthe deciencies of prior umbilical type electrical connectors. Consideredin its broader aspects, the plug land receptacle assemblies of thepresent invention have what may be called a partially interconnectedposition in which the assemblies releasably hold one another againstrelative separation in response to the exertion of separation forcebelow a predetermined level. Also, the assemblies include means to blocktheir separation in said position, to bring their terminals into fullinterengagement and to create axial loading operable when released tosuddenly axially separate the assemblies disengaging the terminals, theassemblies including other means for effecting the loading release whendesired. More specifically, yieldable means carried by one of theassemblies provides axial loading when deflected, and actuator means iscarried by the other assembly for movement first to block relativeseparation of the assemblies from partially interconnected position, andthereafter to effect completion `of the loading deection of theyieldable means.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel structuralcombination, the chain reaction mode of operation of which offerscertain novel and unusual advantages and results including the releaseof a relatively high separation force in response to the exertion of arelatively very low release force. As will be brought out in greaterdetail, the above mentioned actuator may take the form of multiple partsone of which is movable relative to another to unblock the release ofprimary latching shoulders holding plug and receptacle body members inpartially interconnected position, and while another of the actuatorparts transmits separation spring loading in order to effect the desiredseparation. Also, the actuator structure may itself include secondarylatching mechanism for holding the actuator parts against relativemovement, and an actuator spring for effecting relative movement of theactuator parts when the secondary latching mechanism is released, inorder to assure unbl'ocking of the primary latching shoulders while theprimary separation spring is still exerting force suiiicient to separatethe plug and receptacle assemblies including the electrical terminals.In this regard, the secondary latching mechanism is typically heldagainst such release as initiates release of the primary latchingshoulders, by a metallic band extending about -a cantilever finger onone actuator part, so as to retain the finger against flexing anddisengagement from another actuator part. The band is suddenlyexpansible in response to slight force application thereto, thereby torelease said finger and release the chain of events culminating inassured separation of the plug and receptacle assemblies and terminals.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well Ias thedetails of an illustrative embodiment, will be more fully understoodfrom the following detailed description of the drawings, in which:

FIGURE l is a side elevation taken in section showing the plug andreceptacle assemblies prior to interconnection;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary side elevation taken in section showing theplug and receptacle assemblies in partially interconnected position;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the terminal ends of the plug andreceptacle assemblies;

FIGURE 4 is a side elevation taken in section showing the plug andreceptacle assemblies in fully interconnected position;

FIGURE 5 is a view like FIGURE 4, but showing the assemblies at a timeduring the chain release of the assembly elements;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the plug assembly partially brokenaway to show the interior construction thereof;

FIGURE 7 is a side elevation showing the plug and receptacle assembliesas they near physical separation, and broken away to show the structuregiving the assemblies ability to misalign without jamming, duringseparation;

FIGURE 8 is a section taken on line 8--8 of FIGURE 4; and

FIGURE 9 is a side elevation of actuator structure showing the means forreleasing the secondary latching mechanism.

Referring first to FIG. l, the coaxial plug and receptacle assembliesare respectively shown at it) and 11 with electrical terminals i2carried by the plug and terminals i3 carried by the receptacle. Theterminals 12 include pins projecting at 14 toward the receptac'eterminals i3 into which they are received, as better seen in FIG. 4,when the assemblies and terminals are brought into full interengagementas by frictional penetration of the pins 14 into the split sockets 1S,spreading the latter Additional structure associated with the plugterminals 12 includes the insert 16 made up on non-conductive back-upplate 17,

seal 18, and body and seal members 19 and 20. The insert carries thenuts 21 into which the Contact pins are threaded at 22, the conductorsfrom the pins extending at 23 as shown. In similar manner, thereceptacle assembly includes an insert structure 24 carrying the Contactsockets 15, and including back-up plate 25, seals 26 and 27, and plate2S. rlhe insert 24, like the insert 16, is insulative, and carries thenuts 29 into which the sockets 15 are threaded at 30, conductorsextending at 31 and from the end of the receptacle assembly opposite thesockets 15.

Extending the description to FIG. 2, the latter shows the assemblies and11 in partially interconnected position in which the assembliesreleasably hold one another against relative separation in response tothe exertion of separation force below a predetermined level. Asillustrated, the plug assembly 10 includes a tubular body or engagingscrew 32 internally grooved at 33 to form a primary llatching shoulder34. The latter is annular and releasably engaged by a series ofcircularly spaced latch fingers 35 projecting generally axially on thecollet 36. As seen in FIG. l, the end portion 37 of the collet isretained in position by the receptacle body members 38 and 39 which areintegral with one another. As is also clear from FIG. l, the receptaclebody member 39 is flanged at 46a for suitable connection to a mountingstructure not shown. It will, therefore, be understood that theretaining shoulder 34 and the latch fingers 35 comprise one form ofprimary latching mechanism holding the plug body member 32 againstrelative separation from the receptacle body members 3S and 39 inresponse to the exertion of primary separation force below apredetermined level. Conversely, the plug and socket assemblies 10 and11 may be -brought into their partially interconnected position as shownin FIG. 2 by pushing them axially together whereby the fingers 35 willdeflect inwardly over the inwardly flanged forward portion 40 of thebody member 32, the fingers thereafter snapping outwardly to engage theshoulder 34, as seen in FIG. 2. At this time, the electrical terminals12 carried by the plug are not in complete engagement with theelectrical terminals 13 carried by the receptacle assembly.

Further, in accordance with the invention, the assemblies 10 and 11include means to block their relative separation (as by disengagement ofthe fingers 35 from the shoulder 34), to bring the terminals 12 and 13into full interengagement, and to create axial loading operable whenreleased to suddenly axially separate the assemblies and disengage theterminals 12 and 13. One form of such means is shown in the drawings toinclude what may be characterized as blocking and pushing actuatorstructure movable telescopically to advance relative to the bodyinem-bers 32, 39 and 38, blocking inward flexure of the collet fingers35 and transmitting pushing force effecting deflection of springs oryieldable means 41 seen in FIG. 1. The latter are carried within bores42 of the receptacle assembly and spaced about the axis thereof to becornpressed axially in response to forward displacement of the plungers43 projecting leftwardly at 44 between the inner and outer body members38 and 39, and inwardly of the fingers 35. Before proceeding further, itmay be stated that the function of the springs 41 is to store releasedloading energy which, upon release, is operable to suddenly separate theassemblies 10 and 11 and the terminals 12 and 13.

More particularly, the above referred to actuator structure may take theform of multiple parts one of which, such as release sleeve 45, ismovable relative to another part, such as pilot sleeve 46. One functionof the part 45 is to block release or inward flexure of the colletfingers 35 prior to deflection of the springs 41 in response to forwardadvancement of the pilot sleeve 46 against the members 44. Thus, FIG. 4shows the release sleeve 45 projecting axially within the space betweenthe collet fingers and the pilot sleeve 46, the latter pushing againstthe members 44 to compress the springs 41. It will be understood in thisregard that the actuator parts and 46 advance together and rightwardlyinto the position shown in FIG. 4 to complete the intercoupling of theplug and receptacle assemblies and the electrical terminals 12 and 13.Such forward advancement relative to the plug body 32 is brought aboutby rotation of a third actuator part such as the engaging nut 47threaded at 48 on the body 32 to advance rightwardly when turnedclockwise. The nut carries an inner sleeve portion 49 which has threadedconnection at 50 to a rearward extension 51 of the part 46, whereby thenut 47, and the actuator parts 45 and 46 advance together relative tothe body 32. At the same time, the insert structure 16 associated withthe plug and carrying the terminals 12 advance with the actuator partssince the insert is retained at 52 by the nut sleeve 52a. Referring backto FIG. 2, the body 32 relative to which the actuator parts move axiallyis turned inwardly at 53 for reception in a spline 54 holding the bodyand the actuator member 46 against relative rotation, while allowingrelative axial movement. When the actuator parts referred to above haveadvanced to the right to fully intercouple the plug and receptacleassemblies, the inturned portion of the body 32 (or engaging screw) isin the position shown in FIG. 4, i.e., spaced closely forwardly of thethrust bearing assembly 55. The latter -does not rotate with the nut 47(although it moves axially therewith) in View of its connection to thesleeve 49, and the part 46, having spline connection at 54 to thenon-rotating body 32; however, a suitable bearing is provided at 56 toallow rotation of the nut 47. The structure 55 houses an indicator,better seen in FIG. 2, to include a plunger 57 engageable by theinturned portion 53 of the body to push the indicator screw 58rearwardly in the observable bore 59 when the elements are as seen inFIG. 4. A spring 60 opposes such rearward deflection of the indicatorand repositions it as seen in FIG. 2 when the plug and receptacleassemblies are separated from complete intercoupling.

The actuator structure also includes what may be referred to assecondary latching mechanism for holding the parts 45 and 46 againstrelative axial movement until such time as separation release of theplug and receptacle assemblies is desired. In addition, the actuatorstructure includes a spring for effecting the relative movement of theparts 45 and 46 when the secondary latching mechanism is released, thespring 61 serving this function in the embodiment shown. As illustrated,the spring 61 is axially compressed in FIG. 4 between the inturnedportions 62 of the part 45 and the outwardly turned flange 63 of theactuator part 46. The spring is shown in released condition in FIG. 5.

The secondary latching mechanism typically includes generally axiallyextending cantilever fingers 64 on the part 45 and a holding shoulder 65on the flange 63 of the part 46, the inturned portions of the fingers 64being retained in engagement with the annular shoulder 65 and againstoutward flexure in a direction tending to release the secondary latchingmechanisms, such outward tlexure being better seen in FIGURE 5.Accordingly, in the views 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, the secondary latchingmechanism is not released, whereas in FIG. 5 it has just been releasedto allow the spring 61 to retract the actuator part 45 from blockingengagement with the primary latching fingers 35. The latter are thendellectable inwardly to the broken line position seen at 66a, allowingloading energy stored in the ejection springs 41 to be released forseparating the plug and receptacle assemblies.

Outward flexure of the secondary latching fingers 64 to the positionsshown in FIG. 5 is prevented until such time as general release of theplug and receptacle assemblies is desired, by what may be characterizedas other means for effecting said release. Said other means typicallyincludes a metallic band shown at 66 in FIG. 4 as extending in ahoop-like path about the common axis of the packaged assembly, and inconfining relation to the secondary latching fingers 64. Suchconfinement holds the inwardly turned ends of the latching fingers inengagement with the annular shoulder 65 on the fiange 63 of the part 46.Reference to FIG. 9 will lshow the band 66 as retained within a groove67 in the actuator part 45, the latter containing multiple splits 68within which extend the secondary latching fingers 64. In particular,the fingers extend rightwardly in the splits 68 from the left end baseportion 69 of the part 45, allowing the latch fingers to flex outwardlywhen their inturned end portions 70 ride over the flange 63 in responseto expansion of the spring 61 subsequent to expansion of the band66.'The latter is held against hoop-like expansion Eby the lanyard pullresponsive release generally indicated at 71, FIG. 9, and including aspring-urged element in the form of a slide carrier 72 blockingexpansion of the band. Thus, the carrier 72 is movable axiallyleftwardly by the lanyard 73 to which it is connected at 74, and againstthe compression springs 75, thereby to unblock a lug 76 carried by theband portion 77. When the face 78 of the carrier has moved to theposition shown at 79 in broken lines, the lug 76 may travel to theposition shown at 80 in broken lines, under which conditions the bandbecomes expanded as desired. The lanyard 73 extends to the left as shownin FIG. 1 through the base 81 of the release, the inturned portions 62of the body 32, and through the structure 55 which does not rotate withthe outer portion of the nut 47. Accordingly, the lanyard handle 82 maybe pulled to the left when general release is desired, for effectingsame.

During separation of the plug and receptacle assemblies in response toejection expansion of the springs 41, the assemblies are capable ofseparating without jamming due to misalignment, such capability beingmade possible by reducing a portion of the diameter of the innerassembly, which telescopically interfits in piloting relation whenbrought together with the other assembly to the position shown in FIG.2. For example, the receptacle assembly 11 has a rounded nose portion 83on the body element 38, the rounded nose fitting into the bore 84 of theactuator part 46 of the plug assembly. Upon release, the assemblies maybecome misaligned, as seen in FIG. 7, but without such misalignmentpreventing separation of the assemblies, in view of the rocking abilityof the receptacle relation to the plug, made possible by the roundednose taper at the portion 83.

As may be seen from FIGURE 3, the mating portions of the plug andreceptacle are circular cylinders. However, it is to be understood thatlthe terms cylinder and cylindrical7 are yused herein in their broadsense and refer generically to the class of surfaces generated by astraight line moving parallel to another line and following a curve.

Summarizing the connection and disconnection of the plug and receptacleassemblies, to prepare the plug 10 for engagement, the actuator part ornut 47 is turned counterclockwise in FIG. 1 causing the spring 61 tobecome compressed and bringing the secondary latching fingers into theposition for holding engagement with the shoulder 65, as seen in FIG. 4.At this point, as seen` in FIGS. 3, 6 and 9, the band 66 may betightened about the secondary latching fingers 64 by adjustment of thelanyard release structure 71, and to the condition shown in FIG. 9. Bythis adjustment, spring 75 drives carrier 72 forward, camming lug 76from broken line position 80 to full line position 76, and blockingreturn of the band 66, thus locking fingers 64.

The plug assembly 10 may then be aligned with and started into thereceptacle assembly 11 until the assemblies are brought into thecondition shown in FIG. 2, i.e., the partial interconnected position inwhich the assemblies releasably hold one another against relativeseparation in response to the exertion of separation force below apredetermined level. The actuator nut 47 is then turned clockwise tocomplete the full interengagement of the plug and receptacle assemblies,as seen in FIG. 4. The ejection springs 41 are then compressed by theplungers 43 in response to the advancement of the actuator part 46.Also, the primary latching fingers 36 have been blocked against inwardfiexure by the actuator part 45.

When the lanyard handle 82 is pulled, the holding band 66 may thenexpand due to outward force exerted by the secondary latching fingers64. The latter then ride over the flange 63 in response to expansion ofthe spring 61, whereby the actuator part 45 is suddenly retracted tounblock the primary latching lingers 36. The loading of the ejectionsprings 41 is then sufficient When exerted against the actuator part 46,to overcome the interengagement of lthe latching fingers 35 with theshoulder 34, and the assemblies suddenly separate.

We claim:

1. In a device of the class described the combination of a first member,a second member adapted to mate with the first member, a passageextending axially into one of said members and having a substantiallycylindrical surface, a barrel on the other of said members having asubstantially cylindrical surface adapted to fit into the passage whensaid members are mated, said barrel having an outside diameter slightlyless than the inside diameter of the passage to provide a smallclearance space between the cylindrical surfaces whereby the barrel isfreely slidable within said passage only as long as the axis of thebarrel is within a predetermined range of alignment with the axis of thepassage, a guide on the first member including a rounded surface and aclearance recess, said rounded surface being disposed adjacent the endof said first member and having a diameter substantially the same as thecylindrical surface on the first member, said rounded surface beingadapted to slidably engage the cylindrical surface on the second memberwhen the barrel is initially moving into the passage or is finallymoving out of said passage whereby said rounded surface guides saidbarrel during such initial or final movement, said clearance recessbeing disposed between the rounded surface and the cylindrical surfaceon said first member to form a clearance space for the end of the secondmember as the end of the barrel moves into and out of the passageoblique to the axis thereof, the' axial length of said recess beingsufiiciently long whereby the barrel is always aligned within saidpredetermined range of said passage whenever the end of the secondmember has passed beyond the recess and engaged the cylindrical surfaceon the first member.

2. In a device of the class described the combination of a first memberhaving a passage with a cylindrical surface extending axially inwardlyfrom one end thereof, a second member having a barrel with a cylindricalsurface adapted to slidably fit into said cylindrical passage wherebysaid barrel is free to move into and out of said passage, a guide on oneof said members adjacent the end thereof, said guide forming a roundedsurface adapted to slidably engage the cylindrical surface on the otherof said members when the barrel is moving into and out of said passage,and a recessed clearance on said member disposed between said roundedsurface and the cylindrical surface on said member, said clearanceforming a space through which the end of said other member may pass asthe barrel enters and leaves the passage until the axis of the barrel issubstantially aligned with the axis of the passage.

3. In a device of the class described the combination of a first memberhaving a cylindrical passage extending axially inwardly from one endthereof, a second member having a barrel with a cylindrical exteriorsurface adapted to slidably engage the cylindrical surface of saidpassage whereby said barrel is free to move into and out of saidpassage, a guide on the end of said barrel, said guide including atoroidal surface effective to slida bly engage the cylindrical passageas the barrel moves into and out of the passage even though the barrelmay be oblique to the passage, and an annular recess in said barreldisposed between the toroidal surface and the cylindrical surface, saidrecess forming a clearance space for the end of the first member as thebarrel moves into and out of the passage oblique to the axis of thepassage.

4. In an electrical connector of the class described the combination ofa receptacle member having a passage ywith a cylindrical inner surfaceextending axially inwardly from one end thereof, a plug member having acylindrical outer surface effective to slide within said passage whensaid members are mated, a first set of electrical contacts on thereceptacle member, a second set of electrical contacts on said plugmember adapted to electrically engage the contacts in the first set onlywhen the plug and receptacle members are substantially fully mated, arounded guide surface on one of said members adapted to slidably engagethe cylindrical surface on the other of said members as the plug membermoves into and out of said passage, and a clearance recess on said onemember between the guide surface and the cylindrical surface, saidrecess being positioned to provide a clearance space for the end of theplug member as it enters and leaves the passage oblique to the axisthereof.

5. In an electrical connector of the class described the combination ofa receptacle member having a passage with a cylindrical inner surfaceextending axially inwardly from one end thereof, a plug member having acylindrical outer surface effective to slide within said passage onlywhen the axis f said plug member is aligned within a predetermined rangeof the axis of said passage, a first set of electrical contacts on thereceptacle member, a second set of electrical contacts on said plugmember adapted to electrically engage the contacts in the first set onlywhen the plug and receptacle members are substantially fully mated, anannular toroidal guide surface on the end of one of said members adaptedto engage the cylindrical surface on the other of said members when saidplug member is partially in said passage, said guide surface beingeffective to slide on the cylindrical surface of the other member eventhough the axis of the plug member is mis-aligned with the receptablemember beyond said range, and an annular recess on said one memberbetween the toroidal guide surface and the cylindrical surface on saidrecess, said recess being effective to provide a clearance space for theend of the other member when said members are partially mated andoblique to each other, said recess being axially long enough to insuresaid member being aligned within said range when said cylindricalsurfaces are in engagement with each other, said recess being axiallyshort enough to insure said cylindrical surfaces being in engagementbefore the contacts in said sets engage.

6. The electrical connector of claim wherein the contacts in one set aresockets and the contacts in the other set are pins that fit into saidsockets to establish electrical engagement therebetween, said pins andsockets being disposed parallel to the axis of said members andeffective to enga-ge and disengage by moving in the axial directionsparallel to each other only when the two cylindrical surfaces are inengagement with each other.

7. In an electrical connector of the class described the combination ofa receptacle member having a passage with a cylindrical inner surfaceextending axially inwardly from one end thereof, a plug member adaptedto mate with said receptacle member, a cylindrical barrel on said plugmember adapted to slidably fit into said cylindrical passage wherebysaid barrel is free to move within said passage when said barrel isaligned with said passage `within a predetermined range, a first set ofelectrical contacts on the receptacle member, a second set of electricalcontacts on said plug member, the contacts of said sets being adapted toelectrically engage with each other only when the plug and receptaclemembers are substantially fully mated, a rounded toroidal guide surfaceon the end of said barrel adapted to slidably enu gage the cylindricalsurface of said passage as the barrel is moving into and out of saidpassage, and a recessed clearance on said barrel between the guidesurface and the cylindrical surface of said barrel, said clearanceforming a space through which the end of the receptacle member may passas the barrel enters and leaves the passage, said recessed clearancebeing axially long enough to insure the barrel being axially alignedwith the passage when the end of the passage engages the cylindrical passage of the barrel.

8. The electrical connector of claim 7 wherein the contacts in one setare sockets and the contacts in the other set are pins, said pins andsockets being disposed parallel to the axes of said members andeffective to engage and disengage by moving in the axial `directionsparalllel to each other, said pins being disposed inside of said socketsonly when the barrel is in engagement with the passage.

9. An electrical connector of the class described including thecombination of a plug member, a receptacle member adapted to releasablymate with the plug member sets of electrical contacts on said membersadapted to be electrically linterconnected when said members are mated,first spring means coupled to said members and effective to force saidmembers to completely separate from each other, first latch means havinglocked and unlocked positions for respectively retaining said springmeans loaded and said members mated and releasing said spring means andsaid member whereby said first spring means forces said memberscompletely apart from each other, second spring means coupled to thefirst latch means and effective when released to bias the latch meansinto the unlocked position, second latch means including a plurality ofresilient fingers disposed in a cylindrical array and a band surroundingsaid fingers and compressing the fingers radially inwardly whereby thefirst latch means is retained in the locked position, said fingers beingeffective to expand radially outwardly and release the first latchmeans, and means for releasing the band whereby said fingers allow tfhefirst latch means to move into the unlocked position and release thefirst spring whereby the members are separated by the first springmeans,

10. In an umbilical connector package, coaxial plug and receptacleassemblies having electrical terminals adapted to interfit when theassemblies are in fully axially interengaged position, said assembliesincluding the combination of body members carrying primary latchingmechanism and having a partially interconnected position in whichlatching shoulders are releasably interengaged to hold the assembliesagainst relative separation in response to the exertion of separationforce below a predetermined level,

yieldable means defiectable to store release loading energy, actuatorstructure moveable relative to said body members first to block releaseof said latching shoulders and thereafter to effect completion of saiddefiection and completion of full terminal interengagement, other meansfor effecting said loading energy release,

multiple parts in said actuator structure, one of said multiple partsbeing moveable relative to another to unblock the release of saidlatching shoulders while said other part transmits the loading of saidyieldable means to effect said separation,

secondary latching mechanism in said actuator structure for holding saidparts against said relative movement and a spring for effecting saidparts relative movement when said secondary latching mechanisrn isreleased, and

a generally axially extending cantilever finger in said secondaryreleasably latching mechanism on one of said parts and a holdingshoulder on the other of said parts engaged by said finger, said othermeans retaining said finger in engagement with said holding shoulder andagainst fiexure in a direction tending to release said secondarylatching mechanism, said other means includes a metallic band extendingabout said axis in confining relation to said finger, the band beingexpansible to allow said finger to 10 said outer part and spaced aboutsaid axis to project generally axially, a retaining shoulder carried bythe inner part and releasably engaged by said latch fingers to hold saidflex outwardly away from said axis. parts against relative separation inresponse to the 11. In an umbilical connector package, coaxiallyexexertion of secondary separation force sufiicient to tending plug andreceptacle assemblies including disengage said fingers from saidshoulder,

electrical terminals adapted to interfit endwise when a spring forexerting said secondary separation force the assemblies are in fullyaxially interengaged posito effect said parts separation when saidsecondary tion, said assemblies including tubular body memlatchingmechanism is released, bers carrying primary latching mechanism, saidother means includes a metallic band extending said mechanism includinga series of latch fingers in a hoop-like path about said axis inconfining relaspaced about said axis to project generally axially tionto said secondary fingers, said band being exand a retaining shoulderreleasably engaged by said pansible to allow flexing of said fingers outof enlatch fingers to hold said members against relative gagement withsaid shoulders in response to the separation in response to the exertionof primary exertion of said secondary separation force, said separationforce sufficient to disengage said fingers outer part then beingretracted out of blocking relafrom said shoulder, tion to said primarylatching fingers, one of said assemblies including a series of body saidprimary latching fingers then being flexed out of mounted primarycompression springs spaced about engagement with said primary latchingshoulder in said axis to receive movement transmitted generally responseto the exertion of said primary separation axially and defiecting thesprings to store release force, loading energy, said assemblies thenbeing separated in response to said other assembly including bodymounted blocking expansion lof said primary compression springs.

and pushing actuator structure moveable telescopi- 12. The combinationof claim 11 including a lanyard cally to advance relative to said bodymembers pull responsive release for holding said band against exblockingfiexure of said fingers in disengaging relapansion until the exertion ofsufiicient lanyard pull against tion with said shoulder and transmittingpushing said release. force effecting said spring deflection, 13. Thecombination of claim 12 in which said pull said other assembly alsoincluding body mounted roresponsive release includes a spring urgedelement blocktary actuator structure rotatable about said axis and ingexpansion of said band, the element being movable in relative to saidbody members to effect said teleresponse to lanyard pull to unblockexpansion of said scopic advancing movement of said blocking and band.pushing actuator structure, the electrical terminals References Citedincluded in said other assembly being carried by UNITED STATES PATENTSsaid actuator structure to fully interengage the electrical terminalsincluded in said one assembly in svalg. "zigg response to said actuatorrelative movement, and 2761111 8/1956 lggms other means for effectingsaid loading energy release Klostermann 339-46 X 40 2,966,539 12/1960Sears et al. 174-47 causing retract1on of said blocking Iand pushing3,043,925 7/1962 Wilson 339--45 X actuator Structure 3 156 512 11/1964Pete o t i 339 45 said blocking and pushing actuator structure includes5 3 1/1964 rs n e a outer and inner tubular parts, the outer part move-3156 1 l Peterson et a1' 33945 able telescopically relative to the innerpart to unblock inward fiexure of said fingers in disengaging FOREIGNPATENTS relation with said shoulder while the inner part 5111751 8/1939Great Bltamtransmits the loading of said springs to effect said 10213428/1941 Swedenseparation, said other assembly includes secondary latchingmechanism having a series of latch fingers carried by MARVIN A.CHAMPION, Primary Examiner. PATRICK A. CLIFFORD, Examiner.

1. IN A DEVICE OF THE CLASS DESCRIBED THE COMBINATION OF A FIRST MEMBER,A SECOND MEMBER ADAPTED TO MATE WITH THE FIRST MEMBER, A PASSAGEEXTENDING AXIALLY INTO ONE OF SAID MEMBERS AND HAVING A SUBSTANTIALLYCYLINDRICAL SURFACE, A BARREL ON THE OTHER OF SAID MEMBERS HAVING ASUBSTANTIALLY CYLINDRICAL SURFACE ADAPTED TO FIT INTO THE PASSAGE WHENSAID MEMBERS ARE MATED, SAID BARREL HAVING AN OUTSIDE DIAMETER SLIGHTLYLESS THAN THE INSIDE DIAMETER OF THE PASSAGE TO PROVIDE A SMALLCLEARANCE SPACE BETWEEN THE CYLINDRICAL SURFACES WHEREBY THE BARREL ISFREELY SLIDABLE WITHIN SAID PASSAGE ONLY AS LONG AS THE AXIS OF THEBARREL IS WITHIN A PREDETERMINED RANGE OF ALIGNMENT WITH THE AXIS OF THEPASSAGE, A GUIDE ON THE FIRST MEMBER INCLUDING A ROUNDED SURFACE AND ACLEARANCE RECESS, SAID ROUNDED SURFACE BEING DISPOSED ADJACENT THE ENDOF SAID FIRST MEMBER AND HAVING A DIAMETER SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME AS THECYLINDRICAL SURFACE ON THE FIRST MEMBER, SAID ROUNDED SURFACE BEINGADAPTED TO SLIDABLY ENGAGE THE CYLINDRICAL SURFACE ON THE SECOND MEMBERWHEN THE BARREL IS INITIALLY MOVING INTO THE PASSAGE OR IS FINALLYMOVING OUT OF SAID PASSAGE WHEREBY SAID ROUNDED SURFACE GUIDES SAIDBARREL DURING SUCH INITIAL OR FINAL MOVEMENT, SAID CLEARANCE RECESSBEING DISPOSED BETWEEN THE ROUNDED SURFACE AND THE CYLINDRICAL SURFACEON SAID FIRST MEMBER TO FORM A CLEARANCE SPACE FOR THE END OF THE SECONDMEMBER AS THE END OF THE BARREL MOVES INTO AND OUT OF THE PASSAGEOBLIQUE TO THE AXIS THEREOF, THE AXIAL LENGTH OF SAID RECESS BEINGSUFFICIENTLY LONG WHEREBY THE BARREL IS ALWAYS ALIGNED WITHIN SAIDPREDETERMINED RANGE OF SAID PASSAGE WHENEVER THE END OF THE SECONDMEMBER HAS PASSED BEYOND THE RECESS AND ENGAGED THE CYLINDRICAL SURFACEON THE FIRST MEMBER.